The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) said yesterday four false killer whales were still at the V&A Waterfront after the three adult whales and one calf were spotted in the harbour area at the weekend.
The whales were seen swimming in the Port of Table Bay in the V&A Marina on Sunday morning and attempts to refloat them were made yesterday.
Department of Environmental Affairs spokesperson Zolile Nqayi Modise said the department, along with the Two Oceans Aquarium, was attempting to get the pod of whales out of the harbour area.
“The harbour is a very busy area and makes it very difficult for everyone if the pod remains there.
‘‘We are trying to have them refloated today,” Modise said.
On Sunday, NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon said: “The department has urged boaters to give these false killer whales as wide a berth as possible when manoeuvring boats around the Marina basin.
“Members of the public assisted to refloat what was believed to be three false killer whales beached at Sunset Beach, Milnerton.
‘‘The reason for the beachings is unknown, although it was suspected that one of the animals may have been injured,” he said.
Modise also said on Sunday: “One of the adults has head injuries, while the other two look in perfect condition. This led the department to suspect that the injured individual may be responsible for the beaching yesterday.
‘‘The current location is the best under the circumstances. The department hopes that the injured whale will rest and gather enough strength to go back offshore lest they restrand.”
NSRI Melkbosstrand and the department responded to the incident and found that all three marine animals had been refloated by the public.
Also on Sunday, another false killer whale beached in the Koeberg area.
“The public tried to assist a lone false killer whale to refloat However, the false killer whale returned to the area and it beached. The City removed the carcass,” Modise said.
“Due to their strong social bonds, they hardly turn their back on a group member in distress. Thus, a compromised individual in the group can cause a stranding of the whole group.
“The public is therefore advised to avoid harassing the animals and allow them to recuperate from the stressful beaching.”
Modise has urged the public to contact the department if they see any other false killer whales stranded.